Media Intersectionalities in Climate Justice: Driving Accurate and Timely Climate Action Information on the Road to COP28

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The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, in partnership with the Standard Group PLC, recently organized a compelling climate action forum titled “Road to COP28: Accelerating Climate Actions” at the Boma Hotel in Nairobi. This powerful collaboration underscores the indispensable role that media plays in not only reporting on climate justice issues but also in actively holding those in authority accountable. Together, they share the vision of ensuring that the public remains consistently well-informed and engaged in the complex arena of climate change processes.

The event featured Charles Waituru, a Climate Change Advisor at VSO, who passionately stressed the urgency of community-driven approaches and the need to resist deceptive solutions, particularly those that jeopardize biodiversity and livelihoods. He asserted that it is crucial for the African populace to hold their governments accountable, echoing a theme of responsibility and action that resonates throughout the summit.

With less than three weeks left until COP28 in Dubai, the world’s attention is fixated on the United Arab Emirates, where global geopolitical interactions are set to converge. Once more, the spotlight is on the UAE as it hosts a pivotal moment for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, known as the global stock-take. Amidst ongoing global crises, the battle against climate change takes center stage.

The Nairobi Summit produced several notable outcomes, including the promotion of North-South collaborations, the empowerment of youth, fostering inclusivity through broad sectoral-thematic engagement, and the creation of a unified voice for Africa. The Pan-African Climate Justice is especially keen on youth involvement having launched and sustained a youth-led COP28 campaign dubbed “Keep Your Promise. The campaign has seen climate actions from youth across Africa, namely; Botswana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, Morocco, Togo, Ivory Coast, and even DRC.

The President of Pathfinder International Africa, madam Lydia Saloucou, in her opening remarks  emphasized the importance of broadening the dialogue surrounding the interconnected issues of climate change and health, underscoring that these two facets are inherently interdependent and cannot exist in isolation from each other.

The forum’s participants remained resolute in their commitment to prioritize adaptation finance as we approach COP28 and engage in the negotiations at this prominent conference. It was widely acknowledged by most civil societies that advocating for carbon markets is considered a misguided approach, one that could potentially leave Africa in a state of disarray and fail to strengthen its resilience, let alone enable effective adaptation to the challenges posed by climate change.

A significant development was the Nairobi Declaration, delivered by nearly twenty African Heads of State and Government. This declaration will wield a significant influence on Africa’s stance at COP28 and other global forums. However, the Summit did fall short in fully addressing critical issues such as adaptation, Loss and Damage, and the imperative concept of a Just Transition, which are all paramount for Africa’s sustainable future.

Memory Kachambwa, Executive Director of FEMNET, underscored the significance of involving women, youth, farmers, and indigenous voices in climate discussions. The Summit was only the initial step in an ongoing conversation meant to galvanize stakeholders and shift the balance of power in international climate dialogues.

During the forum, Susan Otieno, Executive Director of Action Aid, passionately emphasized the imperative need to resist colonial injustices that often compel Africa to choose development over climate action. Her words resound as a call to rectify historical imbalances that continue to impact the continent.

In the face of the mounting global challenges and the ever-growing urgency of climate change, the Nairobi Summit emerges as a beacon of hope. Africa has rallied its leaders, stakeholders, and youth to demand accountability and action on the global stage. As the world awaits COP28 in Dubai, the voices of Africa will remain a driving force, shaping the narrative of climate action and justice. The continent’s determination and commitment to addressing climate change are resounding sound bites in the ongoing global climate discourse.

Watch the session here